Aston Villa vs Club Brugge Report
Scorers: Asensio 50’, 61’, Maatsen 57’
Red card: Sabbe 17’
Aston Villa secured a dominant 3-0 home victory over Club Brugge to book their place in the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals for the first time since the 1982/83 season.
Inspired by Marco Asensio, the Villans comfortably sealed a 6-1 aggregate triumph, extending their winning streak to four matches in all competitions.
Brugge’s Early Intent Fades After Sabbe’s Dismissal
Trailing 3-1 from the first leg, Club Brugge needed a strong start to stand any chance of staging a comeback.
Captain Hans Vanaken almost provided the perfect opening when his glancing header narrowly missed the target, coming inches away from marking his 50th UCL appearance with a goal.
However, Brugge’s uphill battle became even steeper in the 17th minute when Kyriani Sabbe saw red. The defender was caught out by Marcus Rashford’s blistering pace and brought him down as the last man, leaving the visitors to play over 70 minutes with 10 men.
Despite their numerical disadvantage, Brugge continued to create chances, with Chemsdine Talbi’s well-struck effort forcing a strong save from Emiliano Martínez.
Meanwhile, Villa, seemingly content to manage their aggregate lead, controlled possession and dictated the tempo. Rashford nearly doubled their advantage just before half-time, drilling a low shot into the side-netting from a tight angle.
Asensio and Villa Run Riot After Half-Time
Unai Emery’s second-half substitutions changed the game instantly. Marco Asensio and Leon Bailey entered the fray, and within five minutes, the duo combined to break Brugge’s resistance.
Bailey chipped an inviting through ball into the box, and Asensio made no mistake, smashing his finish into the roof of the net for his sixth goal in five matches.
Villa’s momentum was relentless, and in a devastating 15-minute spell, they put the tie beyond doubt. Ian Maatsen doubled their lead after meeting Morgan Rogers’ precise cutback, before Asensio struck again, tapping home from Rashford’s low cross to complete his third brace since joining Villa from Paris Saint-Germain in January.
Villa March into the Quarter-Finals as Brugge’s European Run Ends
With the contest settled, Villa professionally saw out the match, ensuring they claimed back-to-back clean sheets in Europe for the first time this season.
Their commanding 6-1 aggregate triumph sets up a mouth-watering quarter-final showdown against PSG, adding an extra layer of intrigue given Asensio’s recent switch from the French giants to the Midlands club.
Meanwhile, Brugge’s European campaign ended in disappointment. Nicky Hayen’s side, who were dreaming of a first-ever UCL quarter-final appearance, saw their slim hopes evaporate after Sabbe’s early dismissal.
They also suffered consecutive European defeats for the first time this season, highlighting the difficulty of overcoming the Premier League side.
Villa’s Winning Streak Builds Confidence Ahead of PSG Clash
With four consecutive victories for the first time since the start of the season, Villa’s confidence is at an all-time high. As they prepare for their highly anticipated quarter-final against PSG, Unai Emery’s men will feel they have the firepower and momentum to take on Europe’s elite.
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Aston Villa vs Club Brugge | UEFA Champions League 2024/25